The Women's Super League will expand to 14 teams and restore Sunday evening kick-offs for the 2026-27 season, opening on Friday 4 September with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United live on Sky Sports. The Sunday evening slot, dropped last season after negative feedback despite averaging 144,000 viewers, returns as part of six broadcast slots offered to rights holders.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is expected to make her London City Lionesses debut against Manchester United alongside goalkeeper Mary Earps. Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, and Crystal Palace join the top flight following promotion from WSL 2.
Sky Sports retains Saturday and Sunday midday fixtures while gaining Friday and Sunday evening matches under a joint broadcast deal with the BBC worth £65 million. The BBC will air 25 matches including Chelsea's home opener against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, where the club will play all league fixtures this season. Defending champions Manchester City begin their title defence at home against Birmingham City on 6 September.